The Important Lesson Jennifer Aniston Learned This Year is Surprisingly Relatable

How did Jennifer Aniston spend 2019? Let us count the ways: Headlining a wildly successful Netflix original movie, making a much-anticipated return to the small screen in The Morning Show, breaking Instagram, and Turning 50 —she’s accomplished so much this year. But the biggest lesson she’s taking from this banner year isn’t about television or social media — instead, it’s a simple, surprisingly relatable personal realization.

The actress clearly led with that energy in her work this year: By starring on The Morning Show, which streams on the brand new Apple TV+ platform, Aniston stepped into unknown territory. “Doing it, I mean we were really flying by the seat of our pants. Apple itself was building a streaming service so everyone was like, ‘we’re all in this together and this is exhilarating and terrifying’. But at the same time, it was unbelievably rewarding,” she said. “Just to be that involved. To really take on a subject that could be touchy and obviously taboo — and also necessary during this time that we’re in. I feel like I’ve got wind burn, let’s just say that.”

Learning your own capabilities is something we can all relate to, even if we don’t star on a mega TV shows or earn Friends residuals or instantly rack up 20 million social media followers. And as is the case for so many of us, learning what she’s capable of has been a long, gradual process for Aniston.

The actress also shared that she began learning the extent of her own abilities in her 20s. How did she do that? “By getting honest with myself in terms of my relationship with my family,” Aniston told continued. “Speaking my truth to them without fear and therefore my work reflected that. And then Friends came. If there were any naysayers in my family, ‘This will never… you’ll never make a dime.’ [laughs] Just watch me. Don’t threaten me that way. God knows now I’m going to make a couple of dimes’.”

Speaking of Friends, the actress also revealed the status of a possible reboot. Will we be seeing the classic return for another installment? Well…that’s unclear. Aniston referred to the possibility of rebooting the show as “a never-ending question”. Luckily, the actress is good with unknowns. “I’m ready to see what 2020 brings me,” she said, “I’m just so excited for the unknown.”